JEE Advanced 2017 Topper Interview - Aman Kansal (AIR 15) - “3 Cs (Confidence, Concentration and Conceptual Understanding) my path to success”

The dream to set up his own software company, create employment opportunities and study computer science at IIT Bombay prompted Aman Kansal to take up engineering as his profession. It all started in class 9 when Aman developed an interest in Physics, Chemistry as well as Mathematics and decided to work towards cracking one of the most tough exams i.e JEE. Aman’s success mantras are 3Cs - Confidence, Concentration and Conceptual Understanding. Drawing inspiration from his father, whom, he describes as a perfectionist, Aman learnt to give his best in whatever he did. He advises that it is important to avoid comparisons with anyone throughout the JEE preparation be it for the Mains or Advanced. An avid reader, Aman played badminton in his spare time to de-stress in addition to paying video games. One of the vital tips which Aman shares, is not to get demotivated during the JEE Advanced exam especially when the first questions seem difficult. Read on to know more about Aman and his successful JEE Advanced 2017 journey.

Careers360: Congratulations for your outstanding performance in JEE Advanced 2017! What was your reaction upon knowing your rank?

Aman Kansal:It was a kind of a relief as I always wanted to study computer science at IIT Bombay. I am confident now that I will be able to study the programme of my choice and at the institute in which I have always wanted to study.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself. Which board have you studied under? Which school have you studied in?

Aman Kansal:I have studied at Cambridge Court High School, Jaipur. The school is affiliated to the CBSE board.

Careers360: What is your score in JEE Advanced 2017? What is your all India rank and category rank? What are the marks that you scored in each subject?

Aman Kansal: My JEE Advanced 2017 score is 323 and the AIR is 15. The marks scored by in each subject are:

• Mathematics – 122

• Physics – 96   

• Chemistry- 105

Careers360: Why do you want to study engineering? When did you decide to study engineering? Which branch would you be interested in? Any reason?

Aman Kansal: When I was in class 9, I developed interest in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and it is then that I decided to take up engineering as a career. I would like to study computer science as there are a lot of opportunities in it. Moreover, I would like to become an entrepreneur and open a software vending company. The objective is to create employment opportunities and also prevent brain drain.

Careers360: When did you start your JEE Advanced preparation? Tell us something about your preparation strategy and daily routine for JEE Advanced?

Aman Kansal: I started preparing for the engineering exam since I was in Class 10. However I joined the Allen coaching institute in Jaipur when I was in Class 12. Every day, after returning from the coaching institute, I used to revise thoroughly all that was taught in the class and would complete the assignments that were given for the day.

Careers360: How was the preparation for JEE Advanced different from JEE Main?

Aman Kansal: I personally find JEE Advanced more technical and confusing. Merely studying from the NCERT books will not help. While preparing for JEE Advanced, one has to think out of the box. As far as JEE Main is concerned, one should thoroughly study from the NCERT books.

Careers360: Since there was just a month after the JEE Main, elaborate on your preparation strategy for JEE Advanced?

Aman Kansal: In the last one month, the coaching institute used to conduct the mock tests. I used to be there from 9 a.m in the morning till 3p.m. After each mock test, the teachers used to discuss the answers with us. This used to help us identify our mistakes. In addition, we got to how to adopt caution while writing the exam to avoid errors. During the last ten days before the JEE Advanced 2017 exam, I used to revise from the short notes which I had prepared.

Careers360: Did you take coaching for JEE and if yes from where? What are the benefits of coaching according to you?

Aman Kansal: I took coaching from Allen (Jaipur). I believe at the coaching, one gets to meet a large pool of talented people. You see each of them working so hard that you automatically get motivated to give your best. It kind of provides an environment to do group study.

Careers360: Mock tests and sample papers – how extensively did you practise with the help of these? Do you think practising from the previous year papers help and how?

Aman Kansal: It is extremely important to take up as many mock tests as possible. Solving them helped me a lot in identifying my weak areas and the steps I needed to take to overcome them. Solving the past years question papers helped me to know the topics I needed to focus more on. It is a bit tedious task to study all the topics thoroughly. Hence, there are certain topics which you can study in passing. I had solved all the question papers from 2007 to 2016.

Careers360: Are there any special books that you feel have helped with your JEE Advanced preparation?

Aman Kansal: The books that I have used during my JEE preparation are mentioned below.

Physics- Irodov

Chemistry- Organic Chemistry- M.S.Chauhan and Physical Chemistry- Neeraj Kumar

Maths – Calculus- Sameer Bansal and Comprehensive Mathematics for JEE Advanced by Tata McGraw Hill  

Careers360: Did you face any problem during the JEE Advanced examination? Which subject was the easiest and which was the toughest in JEE Advanced? What do you think is a tough thing to manage during the JEE Advanced exam? What is the difference between Paper 1and Paper 2 of JEE Advanced 2017?

Aman Kansal:  I faced problem in JEE Advanced 2017 more so in certain questions which seemed ambiguous. Those were confusing for me. However, overall, Maths was easy and chemistry was a bit tough. My suggestion is that one should not lose confidence and panic if the first few questions that one encounters are difficult. It is essential to maintain one’s cool. Paper 1 of JEE Advanced was quite easy and there were less number of ambiguous questions as compared to paper 2 of JEE Advanced.

Careers360: The answer keys revealed bonus marks for 5 questions. Did you answer those questions? What was your reaction while answering them and after the answer key announced the bonus marks?

Aman Kansal:  I had answered all the questions for which the bonus marks have been awarded. It was slightly confusing in Chemistry to decide which answer is correct as there were multiple answers. I did not like the fact that bonus marks were awarded for certain questions which I feel were wrong.

Careers360: What do you think are the key factors behind your stupendous success in JEE Advanced?

Aman Kansal: I would attribute three main factors for my success which are- clear cut understanding of the concepts, confidence and concentration. 

Careers360: How did you de-stress yourself during the preparation? What are your hobbies? How often could you pursue them?

Aman Kansal: I used to play video games for some time. I used to also play badminton with my father. My hobbies include reading novels, watching movies and playing video games. While preparing for JEE Advanced, I was not able to read novels or watch movies.

Careers360: Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why?

Aman Kansal: My biggest inspiration is my father who does everything with perfection. He always advised me to give my best and not to compare myself with anyone. He also told me that I should always give my best and be satisfied with what I am doing.

Careers360: You know you are an inspiration to thousands of students across the country. Do you have any message for future aspirants on tackling the JEE Advanced exam?

Aman Kansal: My message to all those who plan to take the JEE exam in the near future is to take the exam as a dream which you want to fulfill. Do not take any pressure and never compare yourself with anyone.

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